Thu, Oct 14, 2010
With the 2010 rendition of NBAA's annual convention literally
days away, a recent trip to KABQ necessitated a run over to Eclipse
to see what they might have in store for this year's event in
Atlanta, GA.
We covered a number of topics... though Eclipse Honcho Mason
Holland refused to divulge any of the announcements planned for
Atlanta... but did offer up a status report on all things Eclipse
and Total Eclipse.
Recently, ANN reported on the completion of an enhanced
windshield application for the dissipation of precipitation static
on windshields, and aircraft design changes for operation up to
41,000 feet -- in accordance with promises they made to Eclipse
aircraft owners after EAI acquired the assets of the previous
company.
The new FAA certified windshield application uses a thin carbon
strip that is adhered directly to existing Eclipse twin-engine jet
windshields. This maintenance-free strip is bonded across the
windshield and to the aircraft structure creating a conductive
path, which acts as a diverter to dissipate potential precipitation
static under certain flight conditions.
In addition to the improved windshield application, EAI also
announces the successful completion of the engineering requirements
addressing the existing FAA Airworthiness Directive, restricting
flight to 37,000 feet. Eclipse is actively testing these
modifications and has completed the final design.
Final certification of the aircraft modifications are expected
prior to the end of the year. After installation in the aircraft,
these modifications will permit the EA500 to return to a service
ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Mason also noted that the Total Eclipse refurbishment programs
seems to be holding its own despite the vagaries of a tough economy
and our inspection of a recent TE completion showed off some pretty
nice work... especially on the interior. So far... so good!
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